What is Carr Eats?

In it’s simplest form - Carr Eats is a prepared meals business. Each week we cook + package fresh (not frozen) nutritious, great tasting, fork ready meals. We’re a catalyst for greatness beyond food…! We give you more time to do what you love outside of the kitchen and the belly power to get you there.

What inspired you to create Carr Eats?

I love eating!! But I love feeding people even more. I’m also a big self experimenter (if that’s a thing), so these worlds kind of collided for me when I was playing around with my diet at home; I have to credit my plate for some powerful life changes. Prior to Carr Eats, I was working in pharmaceuticals and I would see all these sick people; it was eye opening to realize how malnourished we are. People are eating and consuming calories but not getting any micro/macronutrients. I got it in my head that if I could show people how good they could feel from REAL food, I could maybe save them a doctors visit… or maybe get them off a few pills. Carr Eats was a personal mission that turned into a business once I stumbled across this huge need.

What do you do outside of work that directly impacts your career?

Fitness. Fitness. 100% fitness!! I've always been physically active but didn’t take my overall wellbeing seriously until a couple years ago when I started Crossfit. We had just finished renovating our house, a period where I did nothing to take care of myself. I wasn't eating great, I wasn't sleeping great, I was always thinking about work... I was a little depressed. Fitness was (really) really low on the priority list. I was at a point where I was sick of hearing myself make excuses. Focusing on what my body can do has given me a new outlook! Fitness has impacted my life in a profound way. What I eat matters. How I sleep matters. Fitness fuels the passion for what I do. I want everyone to experience what it’s like to appreciate their whole-self.

"Fitness fuels the passion for what I do. I want everyone to experience what it’s like to appreciate their whole-self. " -CC

How important is having a daily routine?

For me?! Very!!! No one would ever label me as a spontaneous person. I’m very methodical and enjoy streamlining routines to maximize efficiency. I basically do the same things in the same order daily. I budget time for the occasional variance/exception, but for the most part, I’m very routine. Very organized. It’s a term I’ve coined the “3B” rule. This may sound silly, but I go to the same grocery store weekly - at some point, I realized I was struggling to remember where I parked (like every time). This is a stress I didn’t need and something that had an easy fix! So now I always park in the same lot… 3B! I try to apply this in as many places as possible. As a small business owner, I have a ton going on, so routines save me from mistakes and reduce anxiety. Predictability is good!!

What is one challenge and one lesson you’ve learned from your experience as a founder?

Challenge: Everyone has an opinion.

Lesson: Ditch your ego. Arrogance + complacency are easy traps to fall into. Try to learn + grow from every experience (you will mess up - own that). Collect people in your life that are experts in their field; surround yourself with people who support, motivate and challenge you.

Can you give us one invaluable resource that has helped you in the development and growth of Carr Eats?

Fork Food Lab (Portland, ME). Without a commercial kitchen, I wouldn’t have a food license. Without a food license, there wouldn’t be a business. I’m always thinking about the next step and naturally, that would be to operate my own space, but Fork saved me when I didn’t have a place to go… when I was testing my concept and couldn’t afford to throw down 100k on a build-out. The timing was perfect, they were opening just as I was starting my brand, so it was really a lucky coincidence.

"Maine's Shared Kitchen and Tasting Room"

What are your top two CE memories thus far?

I love to hear how my meals have changed lives. I have one client who thanked me and shared how her doctor asked what she was doing because she had made such progress in her health. She disclosed that she was off several medications because of my meals and feeling like she was in the best shape of her life.

This is a recurring memory, but I really enjoy remembering every morning, that THIS is what I get to do today. I don’t think this feeling will ever get old. Literally opening your eyes each day and getting to contribute to a cause that you are personally invested in.

"Love what you do + respect the trust people have in you. You put your health in our hands and we don't take that lightly." CC via Instagram

What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?

It’s more of a question than a quote, but its something my father would say to me when I was in a tricky spot. “What are your choices here Chris?” I repeat this to myself constantly. It's a reminder that even in the hardest of times you can create options for yourself. It's a reminder that you always have the power to change your perspective. This has been invaluable on countless occasions.